Publications
Publications
- August 6, 2020
- Harvard Business Review Digital Articles
It's Okay to Say 'No' to Social Events During COVID
By: Ashley V. Whillans, Annie Wilson and Tobias Schlager
Abstract
As COVID turns even the most benign of social activities into risky propositions, many of us find ourselves in the uncomfortable position of rejecting our friends’ and family’s invitations to non-socially-distant activities. It can be particularly challenging to explain our COVID-related concerns when saying no to these events, as we may worry about coming across as judgmental or condescending. But new research shows that voicing these concerns can actually improve your relationship with the person inviting you. In addition, by focusing on welfare concerns (health and safety), as opposed to social concerns (fear of offending a friend), we can feel more comfortable turning down invitations—and explaining the reasons why.
Keywords
Citation
Whillans, Ashley V., Annie Wilson, and Tobias Schlager. "It's Okay to Say 'No' to Social Events During COVID." Harvard Business Review Digital Articles (August 6, 2020).
About The Author
